We are writing to all of you to invite you the Aloha State, the State of Hawaii, which is our home. The meeting is being held in Honolulu, which is on the island of Oahu (means "gathering place" in Hawaiian). It has most of the population of the island, indeed most of the state. There are about 900, 000 people out of about 1.2 million. Oahu is the 2nd oldest of the eight-island chain that constitutes the state of Hawaii. The islands are known not only for the azure Pacific waters, the great beaches, but also for rain forests, the flora and the fauna, and the mountains with their hiking trails. The weather in March should be about in the mid to high 70s in the day and low 60s at night. There is only a 10-degree temperature difference between summer and winter. The meeting location is the beautiful and award winning Convention Center and the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu. They are in walking distance of each other. It is actually considered to be Waikiki. Waikiki is the resort area of Honolulu and used to be the playground of the Hawaiian royalty. The truth is that the Hilton Hawaiian Village is practically a village in itself, a microcosm of Hawai'i with beaches, pools, spa, shops and restaurants and activities, so you really never need to leave the property. In addition, Waikiki and the rest of Honolulu is filled with a variety of restaurants serving everything from things familiar such as "Haole" (local word for Caucasians, esp. from the Mainland) food, to Asian food, seafood of all sorts, local Hawaiian food, and the more specialized Hawaiian-Regional or Asian-Pacific cuisine. This cuisine is a great blend of Asian and Western flavors. You can check out places to eat and learn more about dining and shopping in Honolulu at http://www.restauranteur.com/hi/oahu/cuisine.htm and http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/

Now that we have whetted your appetite to come to Honolulu for the AAGP meeting, and may be do some sightseeing on Oahu, you may also want to visit the other islands before or after the meeting. Of course, bringing your loved ones can make it a special trip for all of you. We now want to let you know more about the historical and cultural background of our island state, so you can have a broader appreciation of Hawaii beyond its beauty and weather.

The Hawaiian Islands are a volcanic island chain, oldest islands to the youngest islands going from north to south. . The oldest island is the northern most island of Kauai, with its lush green vegetation. The youngest island is the island of Hawaii, where volcanic rock fields co-exist with the rain forest. This is an island that continues to grow and evolve. The Kilauea volcano, as the worlds longest continuously active volcano, has been active for more than twenty five years. The lava flow is visible from the hiking trails as it continues to pour into the Pacific Ocean and form new land, which will form lava fields, and subsequently turn green as vegetation starts growing on the rocks.

Polynesian voyagers who arrived here 1500 years ago from other Polynesian islands in outrigger canoes discovered the islands. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, immigrants arrived from other Asian countries such as Japan, China, Philippines, Korea, other Pacific islands, Europe, and Mainland USA. These people and their languages, and cultures impacted the native Hawaiians both positively and negatively. What has resulted is a unique, multicultural society, with its own unique issues related to native and ethnic politics related to land ownership, and maintenance to cultural traditions. The island kingdom ruled by Hawaiian royalty became a territory in the late 19th century and was admitted as the 50th state in 1959. No one ethnic group is a majority here though more than two thirds of the people have an Asian Pacific Islander ethnicity in their background. Hawaii has the highest rate of inter-ethnic marriages in the world, with over half of marriages between individuals of different ethnic backgrounds. Children of such marriages, especially those from Caucasian-Asian Pacific Islander marriages, are called "hapa" (meaning "half" in Hawaiian language). Hapa children are considered to be beautiful. Festivals and parades celebrating the diverse heritage of the islands are held throughout the year.

The history and culture of the native Hawaiians has been preserved through chant (mele) and through dance (hula) that are still practiced today. The Hawaiian language had no written script, and was written using the English script by the missionaries who introduced Christianity to the Islands in the 19th century. The language has five vowels and only eight consonants. The pronunciation of Hawaiian words can be a challenge, with the each letter being individually pronounced. You can have fun seeing if you can pronounce these words correctly. The missionaries also prevented much of cultural traditions such as hula from being practiced in their original form. However this form of hula, known as Kahiko, is once again undergoing a revival. The more modest, but rhythmic form of hula with ukelele music, known as Auana is the form that was developed during the missionary period and is also very popular. Studios, known as halau, teach the hula and Hawaiian culture, through teachers known as kumu. You will be hearing the mele and seeing the hula when you visit the islands.

We will let you learn more about the details of the islands and activities available to you through travelogues on Hawaii or through the recommended websites: http://www.gohawaii.com/, http://www.visit-hawaii.com, http://www.ehawaiigov.org/. We look forward to your visit so you can not only participate in the conference, but also enjoy the islands, and experience the culture of Hawaii.

Aloha pumehana ("fond aloha"),

Lisa and Ike Ahmed

>> About the Islands

>> Family Activities in Honolulu

About the Hawaiian Islands

Although the State of Hawaii is comprised of many islands, some of the primary Hawaiian Islands are:

OAHU – Home to the state capitol and the majority of Hawaii's population. Honolulu is a large city situation on the southern end of Oahu. One of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikiki, stretches along the city of Honolulu. Oahu is also famous for the North Shore where pro surfers ride the big winter waves and Pearl Harbor, historical exhibits in memorial to those who served in the Pacific during WWII.

Chris's Picks in Oahu:

• Enjoying a shave ice at Matsumoto's. http://www.matsumotoshaveice.com
  Shave ice is a sweet treat made from ice that is shaved by blades to a fine powder shaped together in a cone or bowl with various flavored syrups poured on top. Other toppings can be added to shave ice including a scoop of vanilla ice cream at the bottom, or azuki beans on top. Shave ice is similar to "snow cones" but the ice is usually more fine, and the syrups more tasty. It is the treat of choice in Hawaii.
• Eating at Hoku's at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. Known for its innovative fusion fare which melds Hawaiian, Asian and European flavors - Hoku's is consistently ranked as one of Hawaii's best restaurants.
• Watching the surfers at Sunset Beach on the North Shore.
• Hiking Diamond Head.

>> http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/default.htm

Honolulu also offers a wealth of options for unique family activities:

>> Family Activities in Honolulu (on AAGP's travel information page)

KAUAI – is the oldest and most northern of the islands and is often referred to as the "garden isle" for its lush greenery and natural beauty. The northern most coast of Kauai is a profile of rugged peaks called the Napali Coast and is best viewed by a boat ride discovering hidden coves and secret beaches. On the western side of the island drive up the Waimea Canyon – "the grand canyon of the Pacific" – and visit the KoKe'e Lodge at the top for a comforting meal. Visit sunny Poipu beach in the south and soak up the sun and watch the Spouting Horn geyser shoot its water up to the sky.

Chris's Picks in Kauai:

• Driving up the Waimea Canyon and having a late breakfast at the Koke'e Lodge by a roaring fireplace.
• Enjoying a burger at Duane's Ono-Charburger – located in a shack on the highway – the best burger you will ever eat.
• Riding a rubber boat along the Napali Coast and riding a secluded beach for an afternoon swim.
• Watching the Spouting Horn frequently spurt salt water 50 feet into the air and buying souvenirs at the vendor tents.
• Walking out to the Kilauea Lighthouse and watching the birds and whales.

>> http://www.kauaidiscovery.com

HAWAII - is the largest of all of the Hawaiian Islands (bigger than all of the other island combined) and is one of the newer islands, from a geological perspective. The dramatic landscape is unique as there are still active volcanoes erupting on the Island and much of the topography is comprised of volcanic rock. The island contains 11 of the world's 13 climatic zones from sandy beaches to snowcapped mountains – it is truly unique. In Hilo, the island's capitol, visit waterfalls, rainforests, and the macadamia nut factory. Off the Kona coast, swim with turtles and dolphins. And, don't miss a visit to Kilauea in Hawaii's Volcano's National Park.

Chris's Picks in Hawaii:

• Walking through the macadamia nut orchard and sampling chocolote covered macadamia nuts at the Mauna Loi factory
• Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see the new eruption at the summit of Kilauea volcano. http://www.bigisland.org/parks/939/volcano-eruption-update.
• Horseback riding at the Parker Ranch. http://www.parkerranch.com
• Walking on the black sand beach of Punalu'u and observing the endangered Hawaiian green sea turtle nests in the black sand.
• Spending the day at the Anara Spa at the Hyatt Regency in Poipu.

MAUI – is the second largest island and home to some of the best beaches in the world as well as the Humpback whales who migrate off the shore every winter. Enjoy a thrill as you bike down the Haleakala Crater (larger than the island of Manhattan) and see the silver sword plant – the only place in the world it exists. Visit the old whaling village of Lahaina and enjoy the western Kanapalli Coast with its beautiful beaches. Take a trip to Hana which includes some of the most spectacular scenery found anywhere in the Hawaiian islands, but the road is long and winding, with over 600 curves and 54 bridges.

Chris' picks in Maui:

• Eating Hula Pie at Kimos - a Lahaina landmark with reasonably priced cuisine and spectacular sunset views. The upstairs dinning room reflects the architectural influence of New England's former whaling port and downstairs waterfront lanai & bar offers a more Hawaiian-style ambiance.
• Eating tequila shrimp and firecracker rice at David Paul's Lahaina Grill.
• Having someone else drive me on the road to Hana.
• Shopping at Whaler's Village.
• Enjoying a sunset catamaran sail.

>> http://www.maui.net

MOLOKAI – is an island that has preserved its connection to the past with almost half of its population being of native Hawaiian ancestry. Visit the town of Kaunakakaki and experience what it was like to live in Hawaii many years ago. Discover beautiful flora in Halawa Valley. Perhaps the most stunningly place in Hawai'i, is the Kalaupapa National Historical Park/Settlement - the site of Father Damien's mission where he ministered for 16 years to those suffering from Hansen's disease. If you want to visit Kalaupapa you must apply for a permit from the State Department of Health and no children under 16 years of age are allowed to enter.

>> http://visitmolokai.com

>> http://www.molokai-hawaii.com

LANAI –is the sixth largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is also known as the Pineapple Island because of its past as an island-wide pineapple plantation. The only town is Lânai City, a small settlement. Without a single traffic light, Lanai is a true island getaway and features two resort hotels, Mânele Bay and the Lodge at Kôele. Most of the attractions on the island outside of the hotels and town can be visited only via dirt roads that require a 4x4 vehicle. Puu Pehe, a.k.a. "Sweetheart Rock", is situated about 150 feet offshore between Manele Bay and Hulopoe Bay along the island's southern coastline. It is one of Lanai's most recognizable landmarks and also the setting for one of Hawaii's most enduring legends. Keahikawelo, also known as "Garden of the Gods", is characterized by boulders of varying sizes, shapes and colors. They are the result of thousands of years of erosion.

>> http://www.visitlanai.net

>> http://www.lanaionline.com

>> http://www.fourseasons.com/manelebay

>> http://www.fourseasons.com/koele

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit Hawaii's official site: www.gohawaii.com.

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Family Activities in Honolulu

Near Waikiki, the Honolulu Zoo has many exhibits and includes a great African exhibit and a tour by moonlight.

>> http://www.honoluluzoo.org

Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway
Laie, Hawaii (HI) 96762

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a wonderful place to experience the island people and nations of Hawaii, Samoa, Maori New Zealand (Aotearoa), Fiji, Tonga, Easter Island, Tahiti and the Marquesas (French Polynesia). The many aspects of island culture shared at the Polynesian Cultural Center usually fascinate children. For example, among the activities they shouldn't miss:

1. Making fire and the coconut cracking demonstration in Samoa.
2. Learning the Maori stick game, tititorea, or how to twirl poi balls in Aotearoa.
3. Getting a Marquesan tattoo (it's washable).
4. Tossing Tongan spears and playing Fijian bamboo derua instruments.
5. Trying an ancient form of checkers (konane) and bowling (ulu maika and moa pahe'e) in Hawaii.
6. Ride on a Fijian biribiri.
7. Try to spin a fireknife.

This interactive exhibit is located about l hour from downtown Honolulu, but the Polynesian Cultural Center will pick up from the Hilton Hawaiian Village around 10 AM and Noon. Reservations are recommended for both transportation and tickets to the Cultural Center.

>> http://www.polynesia.com

Sea Life Park
41-202 Kalanianaole Highway #7
Waimanalo, Hawaii 96795

A big 62 acre ocean theme park. Be sure to check out the "wholphin" exhibit - the only one in the world. At Sea Life Park, Hawaii's marine life comes alive in a dazzling display that will entertain and delight. Located just 15 miles from Waikiki on Oahu's beautiful and scenic Makapuu Point, Sea Life Park is a world-class marine attraction perched between the majestic Koolau Mountain Range and breathtaking Makapuu Beach. See dolphins dance, sea lions sing, and penguins perform in this magical place by the sea.

Park schedule: from 10:30 to 17:00 hrs. The Sea Life park has an entrance fee of US $29* per adult and US $19* per child age 4-12 years old.

>> http://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com

Waikiki Aquarium of the University of Hawaii
2777 Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu, HI

The Waikiki Aquarium is located in Queen Kapiolani Park on the Diamond Head (east) end of Waikiki Beach. Built in 1904, this is the third-oldest public aquarium in the United States. Their exhibits, programs, and research focus on the aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific. The over 2,500 organisms found in their exhibits represent more than 420 species of aquatic animals and plants. Every year, roughly 350,000 people visit the Waikiki Aquarium. Admission desk open daily 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Admission rates are $9 for visitors; $4 for Youths (13-17), and persons with disabilities; $2 for Juniors (5-12). Children 4 and under are free. Each paid admission includes an Audio Tour Wand.

>> http://www.waquarium.org

Hawaiian Waters Adventure Camp
400 Farrington Highway
Kapolei, HI 96707

Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park is designed to appeal to all ages and features a unique variety of age-appropriate rides and amenities from a Keiki Kove to a thrilling 6 story drop in a lush resort-like atmosphere. The park, which can comfortably accommodate 6,000 guests at one time, is one of the larger water theme parks in the world. The park is on a 29-acre site in West Oahu bordered on its north side by natural cliffs. This portion of the island is one of the driest, warmest areas of Hawaii, providing the ideal atmosphere for a water park. The rides have been designed to take advantage of the slopes, cliffs and natural beauty of the site. The landscaping is filled with indigenous flora and fauna as well.

>> http://www.hawaiianwaters.com

Kualoa Ranch and Activity Club

Kualoa is a 4000 acre working cattle ranch, spread from the steep mountain cliffs to the sparkling sea. Located on the northeastern side of Oahu in the Hawaiian countryside, it is less than an hour from Honolulu. The ranch terrain varies from dense rainforest to broad open valleys and from beautiful white sand beaches to awesome verdant cliff faces. It is truly a paradise for outdoor recreation with many places accessible only by horseback, on an all terrain vehicle or by hiking. The ranch offers many activities including museum, petting zoo, pony and horseback rides, snorkeling and swimming.

>> http://www.kualoa.com

Children's Discovery Center

>> http://www.discoverycenterhawaii.org

Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice Street
Honolulu, Hawai'i   

The Bishop Museum is a must see for anyone interested in the history and culture of Hawaii. The museum contains the world's largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific artifacts. The museum is not within walking distance of downtown or Waikiki, but there is plenty of free parking available and public transportation does service the museum

>> http://www.bishopmuseum.org

Hilton Hawaiian Keiki Club

Your children will have an entire week's worth of fun and learning through the Hilton Hawaiian Village® Rainbow Express Keiki Club. This unique program shares Hawaii's rich culture through fun games and activities. As a guest of the Village, you can choose between full-day (8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and half-day (8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.) programs. Activities vary by day. Here are just a few that the kids can enjoy: Hawaiian crafts, seashell hunts, sand castle building, swimming, fishing or trips to local Waikiki attractions. Please refer to the daily schedule below. Children's programs are for hotel guests' ages 5 - 12 only.

>> http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/activities/children-programs.asp

NANNY SERVICES

AAGP has no first hand knowledge of these services and advises conferees to check references.

The Nanny Connection is an island wide in-room baby sitting service. Their nannies are licensed and insured. Call 808 875-4777 for more information.

Aloha Babysitting Service is an Oahu in-room baby sitting service. Their sitters are CPR trained and are available day and night. Call 808 732-2029 for more information.

Sitters Unlimited is an Oahu in-room baby sitting service. Their sitters are licensed and insured. Multilingual sitters available. Call 808 262-5728 for more information.

Happy Kids Nanny Service available for services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the island of Maui.   Call 1-888-669-1991 or 808- 667-Kids for more information.

Aloha Nannies: island wide in-room baby-sitting service. Call 808 394-5434 for more information

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